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What Does the Bible Say About Preachers Asking for Money? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Preachers Asking for Money?

Introduction

As a Christian, you may have attended a church service or watched a televangelist where preachers ask for financial support to fund their ministry. You may have wondered whether it is biblical for preachers to ask for money. It’s a valid question and one that deserves a thorough examination.

While the topic of preachers asking for money may be controversial, it is important to understand what the Bible says about it. Many Christians struggle with the issue of giving money to preachers, and there are differing opinions on whether it is appropriate for preachers to ask for financial support.

In this post, we will explore what the Bible says about preachers asking for money. We will examine scriptures from the Old and New Testaments and provide practical advice on how preachers can receive financial support while being good stewards of the resources they receive.

Whether you are a preacher who is seeking financial support or a Christian who wants to understand the issue better, this post is for you. Let’s dive in and explore this topic together.

tithing in the Bible

Old Testament Views on Giving and Tithing

The concept of giving and tithing was prevalent in the Old Testament. In fact, the word “tithe” means “tenth” and refers to giving a tenth of one’s income or resources to God. Here are some examples:

  • Leviticus 27:30 states, “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord.”
  • Deuteronomy 14:22 says, “You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year.”

These scriptures demonstrate the importance of giving to support the work of God. Tithing was a way of honoring God and acknowledging that all blessings come from Him. It was also a way of supporting the Levites and priests who served in the temple and did not have a source of income.

New Testament Views on Giving and Tithing

Jesus and the early church also emphasized giving to support ministry work. Here are some examples:

  • Matthew 6:21 states, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
  • Acts 2:44-45 says, “Now all who believed were together and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”

These scriptures demonstrate the importance of generosity and sharing resources to support the ministry’s work. In the early church, believers sold their possessions and shared their resources to ensure that everyone’s needs were met. This was a way of showing love and support for one another.

Preachers Asking for Money in the Bible

In the Bible, there are examples of preachers asking for financial support to fund their ministry. Here are some examples:

  • 1 Corinthians 9:14 says, “Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.”
  • 3 John 1:5-8 states, “Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.”

These scriptures demonstrate that preachers may ask for financial support to fund their ministry work. In 1 Corinthians 9:14, Paul explains that preachers should be supported financially for their work in preaching the gospel. In 3 John 1:5-8, John warns against those who are greedy and refuse to support the ministry work.

It’s important to note that preachers should not use manipulative tactics or pressure people into giving. They should be honest about their financial needs and allow people to give freely and cheerfully.

Preachers should also be accountable for how they use the resources they receive and be willing to answer questions about their finances.

What Does the Bible Say About the Use of Money in Ministry?

The Bible provides guidance on how to use money in ministry work. Here are some examples:

  • 1 Timothy 6:10 warns, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
  • 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says, “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

These scriptures emphasize the importance of avoiding greed and being a cheerful giver. The love of money can lead to all kinds of evil, and we should be careful not to let it control us. Instead, we should be willing to give generously and cheerfully, as God has blessed us.

Balancing the Need for Financial Support and Stewardship

While it is important for preachers to receive financial support for their ministry work, they also have a responsibility to be good stewards of the resources they receive. Here are some practical ways preachers can fund their ministries while also being good stewards of resources:

  • Create a budget: Preachers should create a budget that outlines the expected expenses for their ministry work. This will help them to better manage their finances and avoid overspending.
  • Be transparent: Preachers should be transparent about their financial needs and how they plan to use the resources they receive. This will help to build trust with their congregation and donors.
  • Avoid extravagance: Preachers should avoid extravagance and unnecessary expenses. They should prioritize using resources for the direct benefit of their ministry work.
  • Seek God’s guidance: Preachers should seek God’s guidance in all financial matters related to their ministry work. They should pray for wisdom and discernment in their financial decisions.

It’s also important to note that financial support should not be the primary focus of ministry work. Preachers should focus on sharing the gospel and ministering to people’s spiritual needs rather than seeking financial gain.

As Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, preachers asking for money is not a new concept, and it is not explicitly forbidden in the Bible. The Old and New Testaments both demonstrate the importance of giving to support the work of God and the ministries that serve Him.

However, preachers have a responsibility to be transparent and accountable for the resources they receive and avoid greed.

As Christians, we should be generous and willing to support ministry work, but we should also be discerning and ensure that our resources are being used wisely. We should focus on the gospel message and the spiritual needs of others rather than financial gain.

By seeking God’s guidance in all financial matters related to ministry work, we can ensure that our giving is pleasing to Him and used for His glory.

Let us continue to support the work of God and be faithful stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us. May we always seek to honor Him in all that we do and give, and may our giving be a reflection of our love for Him and others.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.